Mercedes Gleitze's Rolex to Hit Auction

1926 Rolex Oyster, Author:Clyde94, Modified by MT, Source: CC https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

In 1926 Rolex released the first water proof and dust proof watch called the Rolex Oyster and the distinct fluted screw down bezel played an important role in the Oyster design elements that ensured a tight water proof seal. This was an important milestone in watchmaking history.

In fact, in 1927, Mercedes Gleitze would be the First British woman to successfully swim the English Channel (which is  21 miles of water that stretch between England and France). She completed the swim in a little more than 15 hours.

Mercedes Gleitze, Author: Fairfax Corporation, Source:http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn6247512-v

She would make a second attempt to swim the channel after another swimmer would make a false claim that would challenge her record; however, she would end up needing to abandon that swim after a little more than 10hrs do to to the waterway conditions and changes that had occurred that late October.  But what made that swim so important (which would become known as the “Vindication swim’) was the Rolex watch she was wearing during that swim - which helped provide proof of Rolex’s waterproofing claims.  Afterward, Mercedes would become a spokesperson for Rolex.

The watch is up for auction and is expected to bring seven figures.

Learn more...

Mercedes Gleitze, The Mother of Rolex

Rolex Making History with the first water proof watch & Mercedes Gleitze

Gertrude Ederle, First Woman to Swim the English Channel